Are two-dimensional images sufficient to assess the atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability: a viscoelastic and anisotropic finite element model

Mehrdad Zareh,Gholamreza Naser,Guy Fradet,Hadi Mohammadi

doi:10.7243/2052-4358-3-3

Abstract

Introduction Although plenty of studies have been performed on the detection and therapy of instable plaques, thrombus mediated ischemic cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in developed countries [1]. The rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaque in coronary artery regularly leads to a significant

Highlights

Plenty of studies have been performed on the detection and therapy of instable plaques, thrombus mediated ischemic cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in developed countries [1]
Several reports indicated that such vulnerable plaques can be detected clinically by various techniques, including Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) [11,12], Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) [13,14] Computed Tomography (CT) [15]
(2) 2 idealistic 3D models are developed. These 3D models resolution compared to the OCT technique which provides are designed to provide the worst and best case scenarios a higher resolution but with less penetration, a co-registered for stress distribution if the 2D model were hypothetically image of these two techniques may provide a realistic geto be considered 3D. (3) The 2D models are solved for stress ometry of the plaque composition including the fibrous cap analysis

Summary

Introduction

Plenty of studies have been performed on the detection and therapy of instable plaques, thrombus mediated ischemic cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in developed countries [1]. The rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaque in coronary artery regularly leads to a significant number of ischemic cardiovascular events. Conventional procedures for the prediction of rupture based on imaging of the plaque morphology and composition [2,3] still provides rather inaccurate and insufficient predictors of risk [4]. The challenge for imaging methods is that prediction of the coronary plaque rupture requires an accurate quantification of fibrous cap thickness [5] and necrotic core morphology [6], and a precise knowledge of the mechanical properties of the arterial wall and plaque components at any given stage of the atherosclerotic progression [7-10]. Both IVUS and the real model and the probability of plaque stability

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Conclusion